Recyclers, Dairy Farmers Join Coalition Opposing SB 488

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - Mar 28, 2013) - On the heels of legislative hearings held last week, two more industry associations have added their names to a coalition of business groups opposing Senate Bill 488, a piece of legislation which, if passed, would effectively implement an unnecessary, costly and likely unconstitutional "low-carbon fuel standard" (LCFS) in Oregon.

The Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association and the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association have both joined Oregonians for Sound Fuel Policy.

"The ODFA opposes SB 488 as we have significant concerns about its effect on fuel and feed prices," said Roger Beyer, the organization's president. "The ODFA has experienced a rapid increase in feed prices at the same time the price for our products has dropped. Dairy farmers are not able to offset this economic dilemma with higher prices. We believe in allowing natural market forces to work, not government mandates."

In a scathing editorial blasting the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, The Oregonian editorial board wrote that:

Supporters of the low-carbon fuel standard, including representatives of the DEQ and the governor's office, insist doggedly that consumers will be shielded from program-related spikes in fuel costs. But if the protection mechanism the state adopts is anything like the mechanism described in DEQ's 2011 report, it will be complex, slow moving and likely to do little, if anything, to protect Oregonians. In other words, it will be nothing more than a bureaucratic fig leaf. And a small one at that.

The addition of ORRA and ODFA to an already broad-based coalition shows the level of concern felt by small businesses, especially those working in or serving rural Oregon.

"ORRA and its members are committed to continued support for programs that provide incentives to convert fleets to cleaner technologies and create improved access to an alternative fuel infrastructure, but we cannot support SB 488 as a method to get Oregon there," said Mike Leichner, President, Oregon Refuse and Recycling Association (ORRA). "Our members are concerned about inadequate fuel supplies and the feasibility of cost control measures (like the 'off ramp' provisions), and how those factors will increase fuel prices -- which, in turn, could significantly increase the cost of service to our customers."